Best Hole Saw Pilot Bits of 2025

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Hole saw pilot bits are an indispensable tool for anyone who needs to make precise cuts in various materials. These bits are designed to guide the hole saw through the material, ensuring accuracy and preventing the saw from wandering. They are available in a range of sizes and materials to suit different applications, from woodworking to metalworking. Hole saw pilot bits are also easy to use, simply attach the bit to the hole saw and start drilling. With their ability to make clean and accurate cuts, hole saw pilot bits are a must-have for any DIY enthusiast or professional tradesperson.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Hole Saw Pilot Bits
Fein Slugger Magnetic Drill Pilot Pin
The Fein Magnetic Drill Pilot Pin is an essential tool that enhances your drilling precision and efficiency. It aligns Slugger cutters perfectly, ensuring you hit your desired drilling position every time. After drilling, the pin conveniently ejects the slug from the center, making cleanup a breeze. Crafted from high-quality materials, this attachment is perfect for both metalworking and woodworking projects. Designed to work seamlessly with JHM Mag Drills, it significantly boosts the performance of your Slugger Annular Cutter. With Fein's long-standing reputation for durability and reliability, you can trust this tool to last for years.
Lenox 1779771 Pilot Drill Bit
The Lenox Pilot Drill Bit is designed for precision and durability. Made from hardened carbon steel, it ensures strength and longevity, allowing you to tackle tough drilling tasks with confidence. This bit is compatible with various arbors, including solid-hex and hollow-hex types, making it versatile for different projects. With a 1/4-inch chuck size, it fits a wide range of drills, giving you flexibility in your toolkit. By using this pilot drill bit, you can enhance your drilling accuracy and efficiency, making your work easier and more effective.
AMPLIPHASE 925-001 Pilot Drill Bit
The AMPLIPHASE Pilot Drill Bit is designed with high-quality materials to ensure durability and reliability, making it perfect for various working conditions. You can trust that this bit will deliver long-lasting performance, whether you're using it for heavy machinery or smaller projects. With a wide selection available, you can easily find the right part for your equipment needs. Installation is a breeze, allowing you to quickly set up your tools without hassle. This bit’s efficient design also maximizes your workspace, ensuring you have everything you need right at your fingertips while you work.
Mollom Stepped Pilot Drill Bits
The Mollom Drill Bits come in a convenient pack of five, ensuring you have the right tools for your drilling needs. Crafted from high-quality steel, these bits are designed to be durable and less likely to break during use. With a shank size of 15/64 inch and a length of 2-7/16 inches, they fit well with Mollom carbide hole cutter products, making them a perfect choice for your projects. However, it's essential to handle them with care, as they are hard and brittle. Keeping the drill straight will help you achieve the best results.
MaxTool 2PC HSS Pilot Drill Bits
The MaxTool Pilot Drill Bits come in a convenient two-piece package, housed in a translucent tube for easy storage. With a diameter of 1/4 inch and an overall length of 3-1/16 inches, these bits are designed to work with hole saw arbors for cut depths of less than 1.5 inches. Made from high-speed steel and treated for durability, they can effectively cut through various materials, including metal, wood, and plastic. The fully ground flutes ensure smooth drilling and efficient chip removal, making your tasks easier and quicker.
Patiyu Carbide-Tipped Hole Cutter
The Patiyu Hole Cutter is designed for heavy-duty metal cutting with its durable carbide tips, making it suitable for tough materials like steel and aluminum. The built-in center drill helps you achieve precise hole alignment, ensuring a steady cut without wobbling. With a 10mm shank, it fits most drills, providing a secure connection for smooth operation. Plus, its wear-resistant design means it stays sharp even after prolonged use, giving you reliable performance for various projects, whether you're a professional or a DIY enthusiast.
Drill America DMS Series Pilot Bit
The Drill America Pilot Bit is an essential accessory for your hole saw projects. Designed to work seamlessly with hole saws, this pilot bit helps you achieve precise drilling. Its bright finish not only enhances durability but also adds a professional look to your tools. Made in China, this product ensures quality craftsmanship, making your drilling tasks easier and more efficient. With the right pilot bit, you can enjoy smoother operations and improved accuracy, making your DIY projects simpler and more successful.
HSS Black and Gold Coated Twist Drill Bits
This product is a pack of 12 pieces of 1/4" HSS Black and Gold Coated Twist Drill Bits. The classic M2 High Speed Steel construction with Bright Finish provides durability and proven capability. The HSS M2 steel material ensures strength and hardness with a Rock wall Hardness Level HRC 62-63. It comes in a plastic bag with a diameter of 5/16 inch, total length of 4 inch, and working length of 2-3/4 inch. The 135 Tip & Twist Design increases cutting speed and self-centering, ideal for metal, wood, and plastics, but not for use on concrete, masonry, or stainless steel.
MaxTool HSS Pilot Drill Bits BA02W16R14P2
The MaxTool Pilot Drill Bits are designed to enhance your drilling experience. This two-piece set comes in a convenient translucent tube, making storage easy. They serve as ideal pilot drills for deeper cut-depth hole saws, allowing you to effortlessly drill through materials like steel, wood, plastic, and drywall. Crafted from premium high-speed steel, these bits promise durability and longevity, ensuring they withstand tough jobs. Additionally, the long flat shank design makes it easier for you to adjust and fit various hole saws, providing versatility for your projects.
Milwaukee Hole Saw Arbor Pilot Drill
The Milwaukee Pilot Drill is a high-speed steel drill bit used with Hole Saw Arbors to cut through wood and metal. Its 1/4-inch diameter makes it easy to use and the product is manufactured in the United States. This drill bit is perfect for general cutting and ensures precision and accuracy in every cut. The Milwaukee Pilot Drill is a reliable and durable tool that will make your cutting tasks easier and more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What size is the pilot bit for a hole saw?
The pilot bit for a hole saw is typically x 3-1/2 inches in size. This pilot bit is used with a hole saw arbor to aid in the cutting process.
2. Do I need a pilot bit with a hole saw?
Yes, it is recommended to use a pilot bit with a hole saw. While a hole saw can cut through various materials, using a pilot bit helps in guiding and stabilizing the hole saw during the cutting process.
3. What drill bit to use for pilot holes?
The drill bit size for pilot holes depends on the type of wood being used. For hardwoods, it is advised to use a drill bit slightly larger than the screw diameter. If unsure, choose a drill bit that is 1/64” larger than the screw diameter.
4. Should a pilot hole be the same size as the screw?
When creating a pilot hole for a nail, the drill bit should be slightly smaller than the nail's shank. For a screw, the drill bit should be the same size as the body of the screw, excluding the threads.
5. What size hole saw do I need for a 2-inch hole?
To create a 2-inch hole, you will need to use a hole saw that is slightly larger. It is recommended to use a 2 1/2-inch hole saw or a 2-inch conduit knockout punch.
6. How do you drill a hole with a hole saw without a pilot bit?
Drilling a hole with a hole saw without a pilot bit can be done by using a guide plate. First, purchase a hole saw guide plate. Remove the pilot bit, then screw the guide plate onto the hole saw. Set up the guide plate and test it by cutting a hole.
7. What happens if you don't drill a pilot hole?
If you don't drill a pilot hole before inserting a screw, it can result in material damage and make it more difficult to drill the screw in. It can cause the wood to crack or damage the material being worked on.
8. Do you drill pilot holes all the way through?
When drilling pilot holes, it is recommended to drill until the pilot hole is the same depth as the length of the screw or nail being used. Use a drill stop or visually estimate the appropriate depth.
9. Does a pilot hole need to be smaller than a screw?
To prevent wood from splitting, the pilot hole should generally be slightly smaller than the screw's shank when working with softwoods. For hardwoods, the pilot hole can be slightly larger. If unsure about the wood type, a pilot hole that is about 1/64” larger than the screw's shank is a good guideline.
During our hole saw pilot bit research, we found 32 hole saw pilot bit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,611 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hole saw pilot bits list. We found that most customers choose hole saw pilot bits with an average price of $11.65.
The hole saw pilot bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hole saw pilot bits, including Fein, Lenox, AMPLIPHASE, Mollom, MaxTool. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,544 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.